News Release

Buzzard Point Final Development Concept Plan

National Park Service Finalizes Concept Plan for Buzzard Point Park

WASHINGTON – The National Park Service (NPS) has released a Final Development Concept Plan for Buzzard Point Park, which includes ideas from the public on how to create an enjoyable and unique community waterfront park.

Through public engagement, the NPS gathered the best ideas for reimagining Buzzard Point Park as a peaceful retreat for both recreation and relaxation. This process identified many exciting new opportunities for the park’s 3.5 acres with designs drawing from the native marshlands historically located along the shoreline.

The NPS developed two initial concepts for the park’s design. Both concepts incorporate the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail into the design. In Concept 1, the trail would follow the shoreline and be surrounded by landscape features. Concept 2 places the trail above the river on an elevated structure.

Other design elements include uninterrupted access to the river's edge, a pedestrian promenade, a kayak launch, grass dunes, open lawn areas, restrooms and other facilities. Both concepts incorporate facilities to test a kayak sharing program and open spaces for a variety of play, educational and interpretive opportunities.

Next, the NPS will conduct an Environmental Assessment, which will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, in tandem with public engagement and agency coordination to establish Buzzard Point Park as a place that meets the needs of the greatest number of people and is a source of community pride.